Pine Ridge Book 1: The Hitman’s Final Job by Ana Ashley

 

Pine Ridge Book 1

Have you ever met a hitman who dreams of having a veggie patch?

It's me. I'm the hitman.

It's the day before I retire from ten years of killing people for hire. Not only am I given one last job- wasn't that job in Budapest last month THE last job?- but then I find out I'm tasked with killing my best friend's dad.

Did I mention he's a total silver fox, the smartest man I've ever met and my all-time crush?

Yeah...life sucks.

Now I have to figure out who hired me so I can stop them. But keeping Vaughn safe while trying not to fall in love with him is a threat I didn't expect to face.

The Hitman's Final Job is a small-town romance featuring suspense, heat, and the sweetness of two men finding real love amongst danger. You can expect slow-burn tension, emotional depth, unexpected humor—including a surprisingly heated giant vegetable competition—and the kind of love that makes you want to stop running.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246493670-the-hitman-s-final-job

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

So happy to be back in Pine Ridge! I’ve been looking forward to this new series and this first book didn’t disappoint! For the last ten years, Silas has been a hitman for a secret government agency. But ten years is a long time to take out some pretty bad people. He wants to be done. But he is forced to take one more job first. The problem? The hit is on his best friend’s father, Vaughn. Also the man that Silas has been secretly in love with for years now. But has never made a move for the fear of losing his best friend, Rowan. Silas knows Vaughn. He knows the work he does. And there is no way that Vaughn can be the bad guy in this scenario. And lucky for Silas, his partner listens to him when he says they need to learn more about who made this request. So in the meantime, Silas will have to follow Vaughn home to Pine Ridge to keep him safe. Vaughn is surprised to find Silas at his doorstep after crossing paths in Europe only a few days before. And when Silas says he would like to stay for several weeks, he has some mixed feelings. Happy but at the same time, he knows how hard it will be to be in Silas’s vicinity. Because Silas isn’t the only one with feelings. They may address the elephant in the room about their feelings and how they can’t cross any lines, but it’s only a matter of time before the pull between them becomes impossible to resist. Also, Vaughn has been keeping his own secrets. Ones where someone has been threatening him and his work. And it’s only a matter of time until all is revealed! I loved this story!! It was just so good. A great new town with awesome characters to explore. And I just adored Vaughn and Silas. They fit together in so many ways despite the little over ten years age gap between them. The age thing isn’t a big deal to them. Their biggest concern is Rowan and the fear of losing him. But they also are just clearly meant to be. A great way to kick off this series! And I’m so excited to see what happens in book two!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Assistant to the Villain Book 4: Adversary to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

 

Assistant to the Villain Book 4

HR Update: The position of “adversary to the villain” has been filled. Evie Sage does not recall applying.

Evie has always tried to be helpful, loyal, and only mildly involved in treason. But with a dangerous prophecy threatening the very magic of Rennedawn—not to mention the race to claim its necessary artifacts before King Benedict does—things are starting to feel…less like a career path and more like a serious problem.

The prophecy won’t stop pointing in Evie’s direction. The Villain’s magic keeps choosing her. And honestly, if you’re going to be accused of evil anyway, you might as well commit.

Unfortunately, the more Evie leans into her alleged villain era, the more her boss starts acting like the hero of a completely different story. Trystan is getting closer—closer than is wise, advisable, or even remotely professional—and looking at her like she’s already chosen a side. His.

Which is deeply inconvenient, because if Evie can’t save the kingdom’s magic, she might just become its greatest threat.

The hilarious fantasy romance series doesn't end at Adversary to the Villain! The thrilling conclusion to the series is coming soon!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220864544-adversary-to-the-villain

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Okay so I panicked and thought this was the final book in the series to which I was like HOW. That would be terrible! Finally saw it was NOT. So thank god for that LOL. Cause that changes my original thoughts. So a lot was revealed at the end of third book and everyone is dealing with those revelations in different ways. But despite all that, they still know they need to stop Benedict and fulfill the prophecy. More revelations, more twists and turns. And of course, as usual expect a lot of laughs with this group. Because the humor is definitely still there! And that ending? Again, for someone who thought that was the end, cue the panic! But it is not. So now I can look at it like well that is insane and I can’t wait to discover how they fix it LOL. Because I was definitely loving how this book and series was going.

Van Doren Book 9: Rhodes by Crea Reitan

 

Van Doren Book 9

Every high school has a bully who has gone unpunished.

Walking the halls of my high school after two decades reminds me why I’ve blocked those years from my memory. The walls hold secrets but perhaps none as potent as the woods behind the school where a life ended too soon.

I wasn’t able to make a difference then. But I’m not a frightened kid anymore. Bullies no longer scare me. It’s time to deliver long overdue consequences to those who have never been held accountable for their actions.

With my pack of wolf dogs and this blindingly bright fake boyfriend at my side, nothing can go wrong.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/253672236-rhodes

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

I first read Rhodes story in a Heart2Heart Anthology. I was so happy to revisit his story again, but this time it was longer and few changes. Worth to read again if you already saw it! Rhodes and Bennett and of course their pack of wolves are just the best. For those reading it for the first time. Here is what is going on: When Rhodes needs a date to get him through a weekend at his old private high school for a reunion, he turns to Heart2Heart. That’s where he meets Bennett. Bennett is a total surprise for Rhodes. They just fit together and the fact that Bennett is un-phased by the fact that Rhodes has several very large wolves that he has trained and keeps with him at all time? Even more wow. Bennett adores Rhodes and his wolves and is glad he can be there for Rhodes during a weekend that is clearly hard for him since his high school was not one he liked. And when their weekend is over, well, they’ll have to decide if they are ready to let one another go. If you know the VanDorens, you know what to expect with Rhodes when it’s time to get into a little mischief. And of course, righting some wrongs with some bad people. And while these two may be opposite in some ways, they are plenty a like in others. A great way to expand and give us more of these two! Loved it!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Isle of Kala Book 2: One Breath by Crea Reitan

 

Isle of Kala Book 2

Every note of longing tastes like Cash.

Falling in love with my best friend’s little brother is the biggest mistake I could possibly make. But Cash Ellis has hypnotized me since we were children. Every song I write is a love letter. A plea. Lamenting what can never be. 

As my best friend gets angrier and more unrecognizable with each setting sun, I find that I’m taking solace in Cash’s company. I shouldn’t. It’ll prove my undoing. It’s only a matter of time before my one-time best friend finds out.

***

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/253671443-one-breath

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

It is finally Cash and Onyx’s turn! We’ve seen hints of them plenty in this world, but we have yet to see how they got together. I was very excited for this one and it didn’t let me down. Onyx has had feelings for Cash for a long time. Cash is his muse when it comes to his song writing and he just has always cared for him. Probably even loved. But falling in love with his best friend’s brother? Not a good idea. Not when said best friend has changed a lot. Benson is no longer the guy he became friends with. He is toxic and angry and is always taking it out on those around him. Especially Cash. So Onyx has done what he can to protect Cash, even if that means not being with him the way he wants. He also just has a tiny bit of hope that his best friend is still in there. But things are about to change. Onyx finally gives in to his feelings for Cash and turns out, Cash has had some for a while as well. Cash has always liked Onyx but knows that nothing can happen. Not with Benson being the way he is now. Doesn’t stop them from shifting their friendship into more though. But it’s only a matter of time until things change again. But will they be together when it does? Crazy story! We got hints in the last book, but it was nice to get Onyx and Cash’s points of view. To see exactly how they’ve been feeling and going through. They come out of this story so much stronger once they realize just how much they love one another. So glad to see them get the happy ending they deserve! A great story all around!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Desert Elite Hockey Book 2: Power Play Clash by Christie Gordon

 

Desert Elite Hockey Book 2

Sharing a hotel room with the owner’s son is a mistake. Hooking up with him? Worse. Falling for him in secret? Game over.

Alex

As captain of an NHL team, I can’t afford distractions.

Not when the season is starting.

Not when everyone is counting on me.

And definitely not when the distraction is Julian Mercer—our owner’s spoiled, sharp-tongued son, who walks into the rink knowing nothing about hockey and somehow gets under my skin anyway.

He’s reckless, infuriating, too pretty for his own good… and impossible to stay away from.

He’s supposed to be off-limits.

Instead, he’s in my bed.

What starts as tension turns into late nights, stolen touches, and something I can’t shut off.

But I’m not out, and if his father finds out, I could lose everything I’ve worked for.

Including him.

Julian

I took this job to prove I’m more than Grant Mercer’s son.

I didn’t come here to embarrass myself in front of the team captain, or end up craving every heated glance, every secret touch, every stolen night with him.

He’s controlled, guarded, and impossible to read.

Until we’re alone.

Because behind closed doors, he gives me everything, except a future.

And the longer we stay in the shadows, the more I realize…

If Alex makes me choose between walking away and fighting for him, I won’t go down without a clash.

Power Play Clash is book 2 in the Desert Elite Hockey series. It features a closeted captain, the owner’s son, secret hookups, forced proximity, emotional tension, and a high-stakes MM romance where one choice could cost them everything.

Buy now and fall for the men who refuse to play it safe.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251403811-power-play-clash

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Alex has done what he can to bury his sexuality. His team may open considering the amount of them are in relationships with men, but for Alex it isn’t just his team he is worried about. It’s his family. But he also has the biggest distraction when it comes to his hockey career. He can worry about love and relationships later. That is, until he meets Julian Mercer. The GM’s son. He knows he is in trouble when he first meets Julian. But he is even more in trouble when he learns that Julian will be working with the team. Though, from what he can tell, Julian doesn’t have any hockey knowledge. And it soon becomes Alex’s responsibility to help him out when he can. Being near the guy that he can’t stop thinking bout though is its own challenge. Julian is clueless when it comes to hockey. But he is determined to make his dad proud and show he can learn. And he is even more determined to show Alex he has what it takes. Julian thought he closed his heart off long ago, so why does being around Alex feel so different? Their brains tell them they can’t be together, but try telling their hearts. A really enjoyed getting to know Alex and Julian. It was sweet to watch them go from sort of enemies to more as they got to know one another. They were exactly what the other needed. It was also nice to see some familiar faces as well! These guys always have one another’s backs and they proved it with Alex and Julian. Fun story all around, looking forward to the next one.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shark Heart by Emily Habeck

 

For Lewis and Wren, their first year of marriage is also their last. A few weeks after their wedding, Lewis receives a rare diagnosis. He will retain most of his consciousness, memories, and intellect, but his physical body will transform into that of a great white shark. As Lewis develops the features and impulses of one of the most predatory creatures in the ocean, his complicated artist's heart struggles to make peace with his unfulfilled dreams.

At first, Wren internally resists her husband's fate. Is there a way for them to be together after Lewis fully transforms? Then, a glimpse of Lewis's developing carnivorous nature activates long-repressed memories for Wren, whose story vacillates between her childhood living on a houseboat in Oklahoma, her time with a college ex-girlfriend, and her unusual friendship with a woman pregnant with twin birds. Woven throughout this daring novel is the story of Wren's mother, Angela, who becomes pregnant with Wren at fifteen in an abusive relationship amidst her parents' crumbling marriage. In the present, all of Wren's grief eventually collides, and she meets her fears with surrender, choosing to love fully, now.

An emotional exploration of motherhood, marriage, transformation, and letting go, Shark Heart is an unforgettable love story about mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, animals and people--all while examining what it truly means to be human.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62919375-shark-heart

********

My Review: 3/5 Stars

First, the story behind me picking up this book. Pretty cover. Flips to the back, the most absurd back cover copy. Immediately shares with my new book group. Everyone is in to read it LOL. This is just as strange and unexpected as you can imagine. The pacing is quick and told through different types of styles, we find the story centered around Wren and Lewis. Newlyweds who discover shortly after that Lewis has a rare diagnosis. He is turning into a great white shark. The world is quite familiar with people turning into different animals, so the while shocking to the reader, it is only shocking to our characters when they unfortunately find out bout this mutation. Follow them as they try to figure out what to do and what comes next for their lives together and for when they will be forced apart. An interesting story all around for sure.  

Scoring Chances Book 6: Game Misconduct by Brigham Vaughn

 

Scoring Chances Book 6

The last thing Tanner Clayton needs is to fall in love with his rival ...  He loves playing defense for the Boston Harriers, hooking up with anyone he’d like, and hanging out with the boys.  Settle down? No way!  Especially not with Leif Rasmussen—the son of his assistant coach—who he loves to torment during games.  But the more time Tanner and Leif spend together at skills camps and tournaments, the harder the sparks fly on and off the ice.  As the top line center of the New York Rockets, Leif is desperate to live up to his superstar father’s legacy and hold the team together while his captain is out with a long-term injury.  Tanner is nothing but a distraction … and everything Leif refuses to admit he wants.  When the Harriers and the Rockets go head-to-head in the playoffs, there’s more than just the Cup on the line … There’s a chance at love.  TRIGGER/CONTENT WARNING: Realistic depictions of hockey player injuries, mild homophobia from secondary characters, and a side character threatening self-harm.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250719357-game-misconduct

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s Tanner and Leif’s turn! I’ve been looking forward to these two. They definitely give those enemies-to-lovers vibes. Tanner and Leif have known one another for ten years. And in those years, they’ve become rivals on the ice. Off the ice? Well, Tanner is determined to be friends and lately, more than that. The first time they hooked up was unforgettable and Tanner wants a repeat. And getting Leif to admit he wants is too is half the fun. Tanner drives Leif crazy and yet he always finds himself being pulled back to him. Neither want a real relationship. No chance, no way. But when they find themselves entering a more solid agreement about their hook ups, then talking more often than not… well, slowly things might be changing between them. Admitting it or even noticing it? Takes them a bit, but all bets are off the table when they realize just exactly how much they mean to one another. But how can they be anything on opposite teams? I adored these two! Tanner is wild and chaotic and overall sweet. He can get Leif to relax and have fun and destress. And for Leif, he never thinks Tanner is ever truly too much. He may feign annoyance, but he doesn’t ask Leif to be anyone but himself. I really loved watching these fall for one another. Oblivious and all in without in realizing it so. Their dynamic was a lot of fun with their banter. But I loved how much depth they both have and the things they deal with it. Just another great story in this series! And I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next in this hockey world!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.